SREL Reprint #3018

Estrogen response system in the reproductive tract of the male turtle: An immunocytochemical study

Daniel H. Gist1, Suzanne Bradshaw2, Carla M.K. Morrow3, Justin D. Congdon4, and Rex A. Hess3

1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006, USA
2Department of Biology, Raymond Walters College, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45236, USA
3Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802-6199, USA
4Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29801, USA

Abstract: Portions of the reproductive tract of the male (Trachemys scripta) turtle were examined by immunocytochemistry for evidence of the capacity to produce and respond to estrogen hormones (via the expression of P450 aromatase and estrogen receptors). Aromatase was detected in both the Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis and was expressed at different levels during the spermatogenic cycle, being highest in the quiescent testis and lowest during germ cell meiosis. ERα was found in the Leydig cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules as well as in the epithelial cells of the excurrent canals (rete testis, efferent ductule, and epididymis). ERβ immunoreactivity was found in both the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in the testis, and in the epithelial cells of excurrent canals.

Keywords: Testis; Excurrent ducts; Aromatase; ERα; ERβ; Turtle

SREL Reprint #3018

Gist, D. E., S. Bradshaw, C. M. K. Morrow, J. D. Congdon and R. A. Hess. 2007. Estrogen response system in the reproductive tract of the male turtle: An immunocytochemical study. General and Comparative Endocrinology 151(1): 27-33.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).